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Celebrate Mom — Mexican, American events honor area mothers

By S. Derrickson Moore / dmoore@lcsun-news.com

Posted:
05/10/2013 12:17:37 AM MDT

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Glowing Valley Reprise by Judy Bess and Bob Zolto s nostalgic small-town scene, Orange Truck, are among works featured at a special Mother s Day exhibit and artists reception from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday at Mesilla Valley Fine Art Gallery, 2470-A Calle de Guadalupe in Mesilla. Guitarist Deret Roberts will perform at the event.

From a traditional celebration held on Mexico's Mother's Day (today, May 10) to art shows and a nostalic Ft. Selden tea planned on our official U.S. Mother's Day on Sunday May 12, there are events throughout the weekend designed to make mom feel special.

Here's a roundup of what's happening.

• A few tickets may still be available for "Celebrando A Mamá," a traditional Mexican cultural Mother's Day event with mariachis, dancers, flowers, and a dance, starting at 6:30 p.m. today at Alameda House, 526 S. Alameda Blvd.

"We choose May 10, because it's the day Mother's Day is celebrated in Mexico. We wanted to create a celebration that incorporates the traditions we remember growing up. Music and dance are always a major part of Mexican celebrations," said Erlinda Portillo, one of the organizers of the event.

"The children brought flowers, sang songs and wrote poems. There was always music either live or on the radio," said co-coordinator Gloria Vaquera, who has fond memories of "the festive atmosphere that surrounded our home on Dia de las Madres and how everyone in the family gathered to celebrate the mothers."

The event begins with a blessing of all mothers. Entertainers will include Mariachi Real de Chihuahua serenading the mothers with "Mañanitas" and other popular songs and dances presented during dinner by Ballet Folkloirco Tierra del Encanto and dancing under the stars to the music of Animmo Band.

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The menu will feature antojitos Mexicanos (heavy hors d'oeuvres) from Pros Ranch Market with aguas frescas in several flavors.

Tickets for the event are $25 per person, $10 for kids under age 10 and $250 for reserved tables of eight. For tickets, call Erlinda Portillo at 575-496-3440 or Gloria Vaquera, 575-523-1799, who is also the source to nominate candidates for "La Mama del Año." No tickets will be sold at the door.

• Mother's Day High Tea: City of Las Cruces Senior Programs will host a Mother's Day High Tea Party from 1:30 to 3 p.m. today at Munson Center, 975 S. Mesquite St.

Attendees will be presented with a history of fashion and guest speakers will share their observations of motherhood spanning the last 90 years. Participants are encouraged to wear their favorite hats and bring a tea cup (encouraged but not required).

It's $2 per person. For reservations or information, contact Munson Center at 575-528-3000

• CARE Mother's Day Dance will feature Phat Soul, from 6:30 to 11 p.m. today May 10 at Beverly Hills Hall, 150 Hermosa St. Doors open at 6 p.m. and dinner will be served from 6:30 to 8 p.m. It's $20 per individual and group tables are available. Proceeds benefit Cancer Aid Resource & Education, Inc. Info: 575-680-5922, carelascruces.org

• 12th annual Mothers Day Tea at Fort Selden: Enjoy a formal tea typical of the 1800s from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at Fort Selden. A variety of teas and tasty canapés, cookies and pastries will be served by ladies in period dress and all mothers will receive complimentary corsages. Ft. Selden State Monument is located in Radium Springs, New Mexico 13 miles north of Las Cruces. Take I-25 to exit 19, then drive one mile west to the fort. The tea is free for all New Mexico residents.

• "Songs From the Heart," will be presented by Celestial Sounds at 3 p.m. Mother's Day (Sunday) at Stucky Auditorium, Good Samaritan Village, 3025 Terrace Drive. The women's choir will also present the concert at 3 p.m. May 19 at Peace Lutheran Church, 1701 Missouri Ave. A $3 donation is suggested.

S. Derrickson Moore may be reached at 575-541-5450. Follow her on Twitter @DerricksonMoore